Sorghum, Milo, Broomcorn, Durra, Karrir-corn, Guinea-corn, Shattercane

Sorghumbicolor

Family
Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Sorghum (SOR-gum)
Species
bicolor (BY-kul-ur)
Synonym
Holcus bicolor
Holcus sorghum
Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor
Sorghum bicolor var. technicum
Sorghum vulgare
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Provides Winter Interest
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness
Not Applicable
Bloom Color
Brown/Bronze
Bloom Time
Other Details
Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Phoenix, Arizona

Augusta, Georgia

Rossville, Georgia

Champaign, Illinois

Custer, Kentucky

Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

El Paso, Texas

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
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M
El Paso, TX (Zone 8a) | November 2013 | positive

I love this plant and had no clue as to what it was for the past 2 years. Mine likely came via "wild bird seed" having been scattered by...Read More

T
Mantua, OH (Zone 5a) | October 2010 | positive

10/20/10...Received the milo maize seeds in a trade to
try this summer....planted seeds in black carlisle muckland soil where I li...Read More

F
Augusta, GA (Zone 8a) | November 2004 | positive

One of the grain sorghums primarily grown for stock feed. Does well in hot climates. A primary ingredient in bulk wild bird seed. Grows l...Read More

P
(Zone 8a) | September 2004 | neutral

I haven't grown this plant but it is grown locally as a grain crop here in SW France.
I understand it does not contain gluten and ...Read More

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